Clown loach

nathanbarry · 02-19-2008, 11:20 AM

does anyone know what the best size is to buy clown loach and how long a tank has to be set up for before you can buy these fish??
thanks

Clerk · 02-19-2008, 11:30 AM

Tank size is most important when buying a clown loach, you will need a tank that is at least 125-150 gallons, and because these are loaches (no scales) you want to add them after the tank has been running and cycled for a few months.

nathanbarry · 02-19-2008, 11:44 AM

Thanks but i still want to know what is the best size to buy clown loach at? And if you could also please tell me why it is improtant to add them after it has been set up a long time?

Obsidian · 02-19-2008, 12:20 PM

As Clerk mentioned: They do not have scales. That makes them more susceptible to the environment in the water. That means the water has to be very stable. The only way to truly have a stable water environment is for it to be up and running for several months.

The size of the loach at time of purchase is not important at all. It is a personal preference thing and sometimes a financial thing. Many fish are more expensive as they get larger.

You do need to keep in mind that they get large as adults, which is why you need a large tank to house them. Using a tank smaller than recommended leaves the fish open to problems from stunting.

redpaulhus · 02-19-2008, 02:15 PM

Actually - they have scales but they are very very very tiny scales - and you're right, they are treated as scaleless fishes in terms of sensitivity.

Its good to wait until a tank is mature (ie at least 6 months or so) because they are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and very susceptable to ich.

As to size - in the past I've found the sub-1" size to ship poorly - we do better at the store with the 1-2" and 2-4" sizes. Always make sure they are eating well, they should be solid, thick, not scrawny. They should be active and curious in the store.

There is a ton of great info in the new loach book that just came out from TFH:
http://www.amazon.com/Loaches-Natura...3455164&sr=8-1

Its also important to buy them in groups - I would aim for at least 5-6 loaches. And as was mentioned, they really belong in large tanks. I would consider a 55g tank a minimum for small 1" clowns, assuming they were going into a 125 or 150g (ie 72 inch) tank within about a year.

Clerk · 02-19-2008, 04:26 PM

Ah, thanks for the correction

Gourami Swami · 02-19-2008, 05:57 PM

Great info paul, only thing I would say differently is that bought at 1-2", loaches should be fin in a 55g tank for a good three years or so. They are slow growers.

flamingo · 02-19-2008, 06:02 PM

Clown loaches shouldn't even be sold less than a few inches long- but that's what the market asks for these days... newbord clowns are mainly what's sold now.
Preferably, buying them around the 4-5 inch mark is best, or anywhere above that (sadly it can get expensive quickly). In the half an inch to inch a half range, they're still fry being imported after the breeding seasons- half won't make it past a few weeks. I learned that the hard way >.<

Obsidian · 02-19-2008, 08:07 PM

I retract my statement that size is not important at all! Apparently there are some issues with loaches that I was unaware of. Thanks everyone

nathanbarry · 02-20-2008, 01:28 AM

Thanks for that information, my tank has been set up for just over 4 weeks and has no fish in yet...would i be able to get some clown loach??

GoodMike · 02-20-2008, 02:28 AM

have you cycled the tank? if not, then no

nathanbarry · 02-20-2008, 08:49 AM

the tank has cycled and the water has been tested and is fine.
would i be able to get some?

redpaulhus · 02-20-2008, 09:24 AM

I would wait.
Add a few less sensitive fishes - maybe some danios or cherry barbs, if your going with a South East Asian look.

Nothing good ever happens quickly in a fish tank.

patience is your friend.

How big is this tank ?

nathanbarry · 02-20-2008, 10:01 AM

my tank is fine and is 35 gallon but we also have another two 55 gallon tanks. i was really looking forward to getting some the weekend?

nathanbarry · 02-20-2008, 10:09 AM

If anyone at all could give me some info or wether i should wait for these fish then i will appreciate it...my tank has been set up for 4 weeks and 2 days.

trashion · 02-20-2008, 10:59 AM

Don't keep clown loaches in a tank that small.

GoodMike · 02-20-2008, 10:59 AM

you have gotten the info. everyone said no. i am interested in the method you used to cycle your tank though.

Buggy · 02-20-2008, 11:17 AM

You said you had the water tested and it is fine but what exactly are the parameters in terms of ppm for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph?

**JustOneMore20** · 02-20-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoodMike

you have gotten the info. everyone said no. i am interested in the method you used to cycle your tank though.

I am interested to know this as well.

Were you adding an ammonia source to the tank during this time?

Also, if the 35g is what you are wanting to put the loaches in, that isn't a good idea. That tank is too small.

Obsidian · 02-20-2008, 07:31 PM

The information was given to you originally, a tank that is around 6 months old is the timing for adding your loaches, the reasons were also given and well spelled out. A book was suggested for you to consider reading. I would highly suggest you do more research about their adult size and their needs before adding any to your tank. A 35 gallon will stunt your loaches and leave them open to health concerns and early death.

How did you cycle your tank?

02-19-2008, 11:20 AM	#1
nathanbarry -~Fish Watcher~- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Midlands, England Posts: 254 User Feedback: (0)	Clown loach does anyone know what the best size is to buy clown loach and how long a tank has to be set up for before you can buy these fish?? thanks

02-19-2008, 11:30 AM	#2
Clerk Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 459 User Feedback: (0)	Tank size is most important when buying a clown loach, you will need a tank that is at least 125-150 gallons, and because these are loaches (no scales) you want to add them after the tank has been running and cycled for a few months. __________________ Four Tanks 55 Gallon - Planted Display Tank 50 Gallon Nursery 20 Gallon - High-Light Planted Breeder 20 L Gallon - Newt Paludarium

02-19-2008, 11:44 AM	#3
nathanbarry -~Fish Watcher~- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Midlands, England Posts: 254 User Feedback: (0)	thanks Thanks but i still want to know what is the best size to buy clown loach at? And if you could also please tell me why it is improtant to add them after it has been set up a long time? Last edited by nathanbarry; 02-19-2008 at 11:46 AM.

02-19-2008, 12:20 PM	#4
Obsidian Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arizona Age: 37 Posts: 904 User Feedback: (0)	As Clerk mentioned: They do not have scales. That makes them more susceptible to the environment in the water. That means the water has to be very stable. The only way to truly have a stable water environment is for it to be up and running for several months. The size of the loach at time of purchase is not important at all. It is a personal preference thing and sometimes a financial thing. Many fish are more expensive as they get larger. You do need to keep in mind that they get large as adults, which is why you need a large tank to house them. Using a tank smaller than recommended leaves the fish open to problems from stunting. __________________ Obsidian 20 gallon 1 Dwarf Gourami; 6 Cherry Barbs 4F 2M; 8 Black Neon Tetras; 3 Peppered Cory's; 1 Bristlenose Pleco 10 gallon 5 Zebra Danios 5.5 gallon Betta 100 gallon 9 giant danios; 4 Rosy Barbs, 4 German Blue Rams

02-19-2008, 04:26 PM	#6
Clerk Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 459 User Feedback: (0)	Ah, thanks for the correction __________________ Four Tanks 55 Gallon - Planted Display Tank 50 Gallon Nursery 20 Gallon - High-Light Planted Breeder 20 L Gallon - Newt Paludarium

Members currently in the Chat:0
	Users In Chat Room: There are several users in chat now! Don't Be Shy - click here and come on in!

02-19-2008, 02:15 PM	#5
redpaulhus fishgeek Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boston Age: 38 Posts: 442 User Feedback: (0)	Actually - they have scales but they are very very very tiny scales - and you're right, they are treated as scaleless fishes in terms of sensitivity. Its good to wait until a tank is mature (ie at least 6 months or so) because they are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and very susceptable to ich. As to size - in the past I've found the sub-1" size to ship poorly - we do better at the store with the 1-2" and 2-4" sizes. Always make sure they are eating well, they should be solid, thick, not scrawny. They should be active and curious in the store. There is a ton of great info in the new loach book that just came out from TFH: http://www.amazon.com/Loaches-Natura...3455164&sr=8-1 Its also important to buy them in groups - I would aim for at least 5-6 loaches. And as was mentioned, they really belong in large tanks. I would consider a 55g tank a minimum for small 1" clowns, assuming they were going into a 125 or 150g (ie 72 inch) tank within about a year.

02-19-2008, 05:57 PM	#7
Gourami Swami Supreme Dictator For Life Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somewhere out Yonder... Posts: 1,089 User Feedback: (0)	Great info paul, only thing I would say differently is that bought at 1-2", loaches should be fin in a 55g tank for a good three years or so. They are slow growers. __________________

02-19-2008, 06:02 PM	#8
flamingo One Word: Croutons. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 16 Posts: 1,892 User Feedback: (2)	Clown loaches shouldn't even be sold less than a few inches long- but that's what the market asks for these days... newbord clowns are mainly what's sold now. Preferably, buying them around the 4-5 inch mark is best, or anywhere above that (sadly it can get expensive quickly). In the half an inch to inch a half range, they're still fry being imported after the breeding seasons- half won't make it past a few weeks. I learned that the hard way >.< __________________ Color exists only in the mind. . Am I only a thought?

02-19-2008, 08:07 PM	#9
Obsidian Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arizona Age: 37 Posts: 904 User Feedback: (0)	I retract my statement that size is not important at all! Apparently there are some issues with loaches that I was unaware of. Thanks everyone __________________ Obsidian 20 gallon 1 Dwarf Gourami; 6 Cherry Barbs 4F 2M; 8 Black Neon Tetras; 3 Peppered Cory's; 1 Bristlenose Pleco 10 gallon 5 Zebra Danios 5.5 gallon Betta 100 gallon 9 giant danios; 4 Rosy Barbs, 4 German Blue Rams

02-20-2008, 01:28 AM	#10
nathanbarry -~Fish Watcher~- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Midlands, England Posts: 254 User Feedback: (0)	Hi Thanks for that information, my tank has been set up for just over 4 weeks and has no fish in yet...would i be able to get some clown loach??

02-20-2008, 02:28 AM	#11
GoodMike Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 22 Posts: 351 User Feedback: (0)	have you cycled the tank? if not, then no

02-20-2008, 08:49 AM	#12
nathanbarry -~Fish Watcher~- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Midlands, England Posts: 254 User Feedback: (0)	the tank has cycled and the water has been tested and is fine. would i be able to get some?

02-20-2008, 09:24 AM	#13
redpaulhus fishgeek Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boston Age: 38 Posts: 442 User Feedback: (0)	I would wait. Add a few less sensitive fishes - maybe some danios or cherry barbs, if your going with a South East Asian look. Nothing good ever happens quickly in a fish tank. patience is your friend. How big is this tank ?

02-20-2008, 10:01 AM	#14
nathanbarry -~Fish Watcher~- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Midlands, England Posts: 254 User Feedback: (0)	my tank is fine and is 35 gallon but we also have another two 55 gallon tanks. i was really looking forward to getting some the weekend?

02-20-2008, 10:59 AM	#16
trashion girl anachronism Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 873 User Feedback: (0)	Don't keep clown loaches in a tank that small. __________________ current setup: 15 gallon, planted w/ pressurized co2, 55watts PC lighting, EI fert dosing. -5 harlequin rasboras -7 Aspidoras pauciradiatus (sixray or false corydoras) for reference: my name is Julie

02-20-2008, 10:09 AM	#15
nathanbarry -~Fish Watcher~- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Midlands, England Posts: 254 User Feedback: (0)	If anyone at all could give me some info or wether i should wait for these fish then i will appreciate it...my tank has been set up for 4 weeks and 2 days.

02-20-2008, 11:17 AM	#18
Buggy Room Mother Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oklahoma Age: 42 Posts: 644 User Feedback: (0)	You said you had the water tested and it is fine but what exactly are the parameters in terms of ppm for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph? __________________ Fish are people too! My animal family Dixie - Boxer/Lab Peanut -Chihuahua Cali - American Short-hair Cat B.B. - Parakeet Flower - Western Ornate Box Turtle Aquariums 55 gal tropical Fresh Water -14 various fish 29 gal tropical Fresh Water - 4 various cichlids 20 gal tropical Fresh Water - 5 skirt tetras, 8 zebra danios, 2 cherry barbs, 1 glass catfish, 1 rosey minnow, 1 corydora, 1 ghost shrimp. 3 empty 10 gal tanks

02-20-2008, 07:31 PM	#20
Obsidian Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arizona Age: 37 Posts: 904 User Feedback: (0)	The information was given to you originally, a tank that is around 6 months old is the timing for adding your loaches, the reasons were also given and well spelled out. A book was suggested for you to consider reading. I would highly suggest you do more research about their adult size and their needs before adding any to your tank. A 35 gallon will stunt your loaches and leave them open to health concerns and early death. How did you cycle your tank? __________________ Obsidian 20 gallon 1 Dwarf Gourami; 6 Cherry Barbs 4F 2M; 8 Black Neon Tetras; 3 Peppered Cory's; 1 Bristlenose Pleco 10 gallon 5 Zebra Danios 5.5 gallon Betta 100 gallon 9 giant danios; 4 Rosy Barbs, 4 German Blue Rams

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Cory and Clown Loach	GumboJones	Catfish & Other Bottom Dwellers	4	10-13-2006 11:10 PM
Clown Loach - One died.. help please	joannestevenson	General Freshwater	23	07-11-2006 07:20 PM
Clown loach not eating	rbcxpeter	Catfish & Other Bottom Dwellers	10	03-24-2006 08:24 PM
Clown Loach	fishfreaks	Profile & Article Discussions	9	02-09-2006 03:36 AM
Aggresive Clown Loach!?!??!	BigEyedFish	General Freshwater	2	02-22-2005 09:11 AM